Check out our first look and honest review of the OnePlus Nord CE2 5G retail unit. Discover its features, performance, and what makes this smartphone stand out in the 5G market!
OnePlus Nord CE2 5G: First Look & Honest Review of the Retail Unit π₯
In recent years, OnePlus has made a solid mark in the mid-range smartphone market with its Nord series. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, an update to the much-loved Nord CE, promises to continue this tradition of offering premium features at an affordable price. So, if you’re thinking about upgrading to the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, weβve got you covered with this comprehensive review. Letβs dive into its design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and everything in between.
Unboxing the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
When you unbox the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, the first thing that strikes you is the elegant and minimalistic design of the packaging. Inside, you get the phone itself, a clear silicone case, a 65W SuperVOOC charger, a USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and the usual paperwork. OnePlus continues to include the fast charger in the box, which is a huge plus, especially since many brands are moving away from this.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G looks and feels premium. The phone is sleek, measuring just 7.8mm in thickness and weighing around 173g. This makes it one of the lightest and slimmest phones in this category. The back of the phone is made of high-quality plastic, but it has a glossy, almost glass-like finish that adds to its aesthetic appeal. Itβs available in two colors: Bahama Blue and Mirror Gray. While the Bahama Blue has a vibrant, youthful vibe, the Mirror Gray exudes a more sophisticated, business-friendly look.
The curved edges of the phone make it comfortable to hold, and itβs easy to use one-handed. The power button is conveniently placed on the right, while the volume rockers sit on the left. Thereβs also a 3.5mm headphone jack, something that is becoming rare in modern smartphones, but itβs great to see it still included here.
Display
The Nord CE 2 5G comes with a 6.43-inch AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2400×1080 pixels. The colors are punchy, and the blacks are deep, thanks to the AMOLED technology. With a 90Hz refresh rate, the display feels smooth and responsive, whether youβre scrolling through social media or playing games. It might not have the 120Hz refresh rate found in some flagship models, but the 90Hz strikes a great balance between performance and battery efficiency.
The screen also supports HDR10+, so watching videos on streaming platforms like Netflix or YouTube is a pleasure. The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, further adding to the phoneβs sleek design and convenience.
Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset. Itβs an octa-core processor built on a 6nm process, paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant you choose. The Dimensity 900 chip is well-optimized for 5G connectivity and offers solid performance across day-to-day tasks and gaming.
In real-world usage, the phone runs smoothly with minimal stuttering or lag. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is a breeze. Even with games like Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9, the Nord CE 2 5G holds up well, delivering smooth gameplay without heating up significantly.
The phone comes with 128GB of internal storage, which should be enough for most users. However, if you need more, thereβs an expandable microSD slot that supports up to 1TB, a feature thatβs rare in mid-range smartphones these days.
Software
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G ships with OxygenOS 11.3, based on Android 11, out of the box. While OxygenOS is known for its clean and near-stock Android experience, the CE 2 comes with a few tweaks, including customization options for icons, fonts, and themes. OnePlus has also integrated features like Zen Mode and Reading Mode to enhance the user experience.
While it’s disappointing that the phone doesnβt ship with Android 12, OnePlus has promised an update soon. In terms of software longevity, you can expect two major Android updates and three years of security updates, which is fairly standard for mid-range phones.
Camera Performance
On paper, the camera setup on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G looks promising. The phone sports a triple-camera system, with a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. Letβs take a closer look at how each camera performs in real-life scenarios:
- Primary Camera: The 64MP primary shooter does a great job of capturing detailed shots in daylight. Colors are vibrant, and dynamic range is decent. However, the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) means youβll need steady hands in low-light conditions. Night mode helps, but itβs not on par with the flagship OnePlus models.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: The 8MP ultra-wide lens is a handy addition, allowing you to capture more in the frame. However, the image quality isnβt as sharp as the primary sensor, and thereβs some noticeable distortion at the edges, especially in low light.
- Macro Lens: The 2MP macro camera is there for those who like to get up close with their subjects. While it works fine, itβs more of a novelty feature and doesnβt deliver the most detailed shots.
The front-facing 16MP camera is great for selfies, offering good detail and natural skin tones. The portrait mode does a decent job with edge detection, making your selfies look polished and ready for social media.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G packs a 4,500mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate use. Whether youβre browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, the battery life is solid. OnePlus includes a 65W SuperVOOC fast charger in the box, which is a game-changer. It can charge the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 30-35 minutes, making battery anxiety a thing of the past.
5G Connectivity
As the name suggests, the Nord CE 2 5G comes with 5G support, making it future-proof for the next-gen networks. While 5G availability may still be limited in some regions, having a phone that supports the technology ensures you wonβt need to upgrade anytime soon once 5G becomes more widespread.
Price and Availability
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is positioned as a mid-range device, with pricing that undercuts several of its competitors. It delivers an excellent balance of performance, design, and features at a competitive price point, making it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in its category.
Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G?
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering a refined design, better performance, and faster charging. While it may not have the bells and whistles of a flagship phone, it strikes the perfect balance for users who want a premium experience without breaking the bank. The AMOLED display, fast charging, reliable performance, and 5G connectivity make it an excellent choice for everyday use.
That said, if youβre someone who prioritizes camera performance or wants the absolute latest software right out of the box, there are other options to consider. But overall, the Nord CE 2 5G is a fantastic mid-range phone that wonβt disappoint.
